A number of people were in the area following the Caribbean Carnival, which had finished some hours before, the force added.

Detective Superintendent Debbie Dooley said: “We currently have a number of people in hospital all being treated for different injuries but thankfully most do not appear to be life-threatening at this time.

“Officers are trying to establish exactly where this incident took place and who is responsible for such a dangerous attack.

“Those living or visiting the area will understandably be concerned by this incident and we will have extra officers patrolling the area throughout the morning and into the coming days.”

Police officers speak to residents at the scene of the shooting (Peter Byrne/PA)

GMP said it had deployed a “large number” of armed and unarmed officers in the area after the alarm was raised.

Investigations were taking place to identify exactly where the shooting occurred and who was involved.

Anyone with any information was asked to call police on 0161 856 4166 quoting incident number 297 of 12 August or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.